SAN DIEGO – The San Diego LGBT Community Center has appointed Sarah Merk-Benitez as the organization’s coordinator of volunteer resources. Merk-Benitez replaces Jerry Tomaszewicz, Jr. who has joined The Center’s accounting team. In her new role, Merk-Benitez is responsible for recruiting, training and coordinating The Center’s more than 1,000 volunteers.
“I am so grateful to have the opportunity to work with Center volunteers. Volunteers hold The Center together in so many essential ways during our day-in and day-out activities, as well as at our special events,” said Merk-Benitez. “There is nothing more inspiring than when people come together to make a difference – and that is exactly what Center volunteers do.”
Merk-Benitez came to The Center as an AIDS Walk volunteer in 2009. As part of her new role, she will be coordinating the 600-700 volunteers necessary to make the event a success – and she looks forward to the challenge.
“When I became involved in AIDS Walk, it changed me. I got to be a part of large group of people working together to fight HIV and I was so moved by the power of that,” she said. “Now, I’ll get to be a part of giving that same opportunity to others who want to volunteer for AIDS Walk & Run San Diego or at The Center itself. My hope is that they’ll be equally inspired by all that we can accomplish together.”
Presently, Merk-Benitez is focused on recruiting volunteers for the 26th annual AIDS Walk & Run San Diego, scheduled for Saturday, Sept. 26. Volunteers are needed in every area from advance work to event set-up to day-of-event activities. No experience is necessary.
To volunteer, or to learn more, visit aidswalksd.org or contact Merk-Benitez directly at (619) 692-2077, ext. 202 or via e-mail at volunteer@thecentersd.org. To register as an individual, or a group, please visit aidswalksd.org.
